Focuses on the nature of sustainability to preserve local, regional, national and international destinations, through planning, operation and evaluation of sustainable tourism attractions, both natural and man-made. Evaluates the impact of global issues on tourism and hospitality operators, organizations, and destinations. Investigates and analyzes how the tourism industry is influenced by governments and world affairs, and understands the role of tourism and hospitality professionals as global citizens in communities.

Detailed Description of Content of the Course

This course deals with skills and knowledge used in managing travel resources. The student studies travel resources both from the individual traveler's perspective and that of the supplying industries. Impact upon the political and economic arena are introduced. Topics include international/national/ regional/state/local tourism, motivation for tourism, economics of tourism, market analysis of tourism, research in tourism, and the variety of tourism enterprises.

Students are asked to develop a trip plan for a group and present their findings to class.

Detailed Description of Conduct of the Course

The course will address the impact of travel and tourism from an international perspective. Topics such as governmental organizations for tourism and organizations representing the suppliers will be discussed. Students will develop a list of state agencies in the U.S. which are primarily responsible for tourism within that state. Other topics such as motivation and psychology of tourism, economics of tourism, and market analyses/feasibility studies will be discussed. Trip planning and packaging of group tours will be examined. Students will also develop a written proposal explaining a group tour.

Goals and Objectives of the Course

At the conclusion of the course, the student will:

1. Outline travel industry terminology, organizations, and structure both nationally and internationally.
2. Discuss the broad range of employment opportunities available in the travel and tourism industry.
3. Justify the impact travel and tourism have on the national and international scene especially in the areas of marketing, management, economics, psychology, and sociology.
4. Demonstrate the competencies necessary to implement a group travel plan.
5. Explain the ethical and professional issues in travel and tourism.

Assessment Measures

A student's success in this course is based on the grades for three major examinations, group trip planning, listing of state tourism agencies, development of presentation of a state tourism attraction, and an interview with a professional in travel and tourism.